While this blog emphasizes the benefits of cloud technology and web-based EHR software, many chiropractors and medical professionals must address the potential security flaws behind EHR systems. However, as mentioned previously in this blog, cloud computing actually offers security benefits for a healthcare employee.

Nonetheless, a new survey and research report sponsored by Bit9, a global leader in Advanced Threat Protection and Endpoint Security, indicates that IT security professionals are concerned over hacktivism and targeted state-sponsored attacks.

According to the survey, 61 percent of IT security workers fear hacktivists the most while 64 percent feel that their organization will be targeted by a cyber attack over the next six months.

Cyber criminals are stated as the next potential hackers in the survey and nations come in third. A majority of polled IT professionals – 74 percent – felt that the security solutions on laptops and desktops are not enough when it comes to protecting companies and intellectual property from computer hacking. Out of all respondents, 62 percent are most concerned with targeted attack methods such as malware and email fraud practices like spear phishing.

"On the surface, people are most afraid of embarrassing, highly publicized attacks from hacktivist organizations like Anonymous, but they recognize that the more serious threats come from criminal organizations," Harry Sverdlove, CTO of Bit9, said in a press release issued by the company. "Bit9′s survey highlights how the quickly changing cybercriminal landscape is impacting IT professionals worldwide and illustrates what strategies organizations are implementing to protect their core data and intellectual property."

Nonetheless, the Microsoft Corporation did release a study showing that SMBs are gaining security benefits from cloud technology. Adopting web-based EHR software could be the right decision for a chiropractor looking to protect patient data and avoid HIPAA violations.